The last two weekends were jam-packed with theater performances in St. John.

The River Parish Community Theatre closed on their two-week run of “Annie” the musical, and St. John Theatre opened with their performance of “Hairspray” the musical last weekend.

Both shows were nothing short of a true display of the tremendous talent we have in the River Parishes. You still have a chance to see “Hairspray” at St. John Theatre in Reserve with performances through this weekend.

The 2017 Annual Backpack Giveaway was held at the St. John the Baptist Parish Civic Center on Saturday.

This event, in partnership with Blessed to Be a Blessing, St. John Parish officials, Marathon Petroleum, St. John United Way, Omega Psi Phi and others, was a great success.

The Backpack Extravaganza and school supply giveaway is held every year for local children to prepare for the upcoming school year. Free backpacks, school supplies and hygiene kits were given to the first 900 children, along with free health screenings, haircuts, health and hygiene information and refreshments.

We are grateful to all of our sponsors and community leaders for continuing to contribute and allowing this event to grow every year for the children of St. John.

Large amounts of rain continue to saturate our grounds and drench our drainage systems. It’s important for our residents to stay engaged and do their part in assisting the parish by ensuring catch basins, culverts, ditches and other drainage outlets are clear of trash and debris.

It doesn’t take much rainfall to saturate our grounds and accumulate water on our roadways. Please remember to keep your catch basins and neighborhood drainage systems clear of debris and trash to ensure there is no impeding water flow.

Visit our parish website to sign up for email alerts and receive emergency messages. Tune in to WWL 870 AM Radio, Channel 15 Government Access Channel and all other media outlets for breaking weather news.

Several weeks ago the St. John Parish Economic Development hosted an Economic Development for Elected and Appointed Leaders course at the St. John Community Center. The two-day training course emphasized the system and practice of economic development in the Delta region.

It also was an experience for local leaders to learn more about the resources available through the state, federal and private sectors.  These workshops will be held in all eight states served by the Delta Regional Authority.

Planning and preparations are underway for the 44th Annual St. John the Baptist Parish Andouille Festival, scheduled Oct. 13-15.

Vendor Applications are being accepted and can be at andouillefestival.com or at the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Office, 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

All vendor applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7.

Any business or individuals interested in sponsorship information should call the Economic Development Department at 985-652-9569.

Michael P. Wright is St. John the Baptist Parish Council District 5 representative and Council vice chairman. Contact him at District5@sjbparish.com or m.wright@sjbparish.com.